Through years of experience, we have determined that wheat in dog food adds nothing but problems. It is increasingly common for a dog to have and/or develop (worse) a wheat gluten allergy. To prevent this, we do not use wheat in our food, because we believe that (aside from the potential health issues) it does not belong in a healthy, natural dog food!

We normally always recommend Healthy Dog Regular for all dogs, "unless"…

Sometimes a dog needs something different (perhaps temporarily) or we as owners want to vary. Healthy Dog Regular is complete, natural, and balanced, making it suitable for all types of dogs. All breeds, every gender, and every size. This is because it contains (just like in nature) all the natural components necessary for a healthy dog and is entirely complete. When we look at nature and draw a comparison between the dog and its ancestor the wolf, there are no puppy rabbits, senior deer, or light-meat boars for wolves either! However, as humans, we have created some problems and/or differences. That is why Healthy Dog has developed several varieties.

Healthy Dog Puppy has exactly the same ingredients as Healthy Dog Regular. The difference is that the fat and protein levels have been slightly increased (the dietary priority) and the Calcium (and Phosphorus) levels slightly decreased to prevent muscle cramping. Especially for large, fast-growing breeds. Furthermore, the kibble is pressed into a smaller size in the 5 kg packaging, making it easier for smaller breeds to eat. So, nothing different, just processed in a different way.

The Healthy Dog Sport variety also contains the same ingredients as the Regular. The fats and proteins have been significantly increased, allowing for more energy intake with less food. This is specially designed for dogs that need more, but that you do not want to feed more volume. This may be because the dog is very active. However, it is also for dogs that are poor eaters, pregnant or nursing, or recovering from, for example, surgery. In other words, for any dog that could use a little extra temporarily.

Healthy Dog Chicken & Rice has been specially developed for dogs that have tested positive for a beef protein issue or for owners who would like to vary the flavor.

The Healthy Dog Probiotics variety is, in addition to the prebiotics present in all varieties, supplemented with probiotics. These are live, natural bacteria that promote gut flora and immunity. Ideal when the dog needs extra resistance, has had a course of antibiotics, or for extra support with stomach and/or intestinal problems. Also highly recommended when switching from extruded kibble to Healthy Dog's pressed kibble!

The newest variety, Wild Menu, is completely free of grains, gluten, and potatoes, making it extremely suitable for (allergy) sensitive dogs! With a high content of wild boar as the sole animal protein source, healthy vegetables, fruit, and herbs, it mimics the diet of wild animals. With prebiotics and probiotics to promote immunity and gastrointestinal flora, and Glucosamine and Chondroitin for strong, supple muscles and joints. The salmon oil provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

No, preferably not. Normally, it is always advised to mix food when switching, but that almost always refers to switching from one extruded brand to another extruded brand. During extrusion, a fat is often used at the end of the process, which is applied over the kibble to make it smell/taste appealing. (You can feel this when you run your hand through the bag). When you change kibble, you are therefore also changing the fat. This is partly why mixing is often advised, so the manufacturer can be sure that the dog likes the new kibble. Healthy Dog pet food is pressed and therefore has a very high acceptance rate. In addition, the ingredients are so natural that the dog can even smell them on their own. We therefore do not need any fat to make the kibble tasty, and the dog will be happy to eat the kibble as it is. As you may have read on the website, the digestion of extruded kibble is very different (high in the stomach) than that of pressed kibble and (frozen) meat (low in the stomach). When you mix these two different digestion methods, you make it more difficult for the dog.

Furthermore, Healthy Dog does not contain any preservatives or synthetic fragrances, colorings, or flavorings that many feeds do contain. The beauty of Healthy Dog is that the food is so natural that it cleanses the body of accumulated waste products. This all works best when you do not mix Healthy Dog or feed it in combination with (frozen) fresh meat. The Probiotics variant can be used additionally if the dog needs extra help when switching. The addition of probiotics ensures better resistance and promotes intestinal flora!

See also the question “Can you mix Healthy Dog and (frozen) fresh meat food?”

The philosophy of Francken Food, the producer and distributor of the Healthy Dog brand, is that we want to help as many dogs and dog owners as possible with healthy and affordable dog food.

We keep the price for the consumer affordable and the quality high. After all, satisfied customers provide the best advertising. By sharing your Healthy Dog experience with friends, neighbors, and family, the reach of Healthy Dog naturally grows.

Francken Food is a small family business. We make optimal use of our experience in the industry and can rely on a loyal network. That also saves on marketing costs; we advertise very sparingly and often choose charities for sponsorship. Those short lines also ensure that we work very efficiently. Because we are both producer and distributor, the consumer does not pay the costs for wholesalers. This allows our food to be of excellent quality, without having to charge extreme prices!